I Would Like To Buy A Crew Van- But Which One?

itsakidsworld

Hi everyone,

I have decided that I would like to buy a crew van as these appear very practical for what I require. The problem is which one? It is not just about size, etc, but economy, reliability and residual value. At the moment I have looked at the Vauxhall Combo which looks nice and the ex-post office ones certainly appear good value. I prefer the 1.3 engine in these and the colours away from the post office red appear white or silver?

However I have started to look more and more into the Vauxhall Vitaro which I understand is the same chassis as the Renault Trafic and another make? There are many available and prices vary considerably. I would want a decent vehicle which is going to last a while for me so mileage is important.

Would anyone have any sound advice on these please for faults/good/bad points or based on my question recommend any other vehicle?

Many Thanks

IAKW

jamesbrownontheroad

itsakidsworld wrote: »

However I have started to look more and more into the Vauxhall Vitaro which I understand is the same chassis as the Renault Trafic and another make? There are many available and prices vary considerably. I would want a decent vehicle which is going to last a while for me so mileage is important.[/QUOTE]

Guess you mean the Vauxhall Vivaro? Yep, it's the same design as the Renault Traffic and Nissan Primastar. If it matters to you, it's also built right here in Britain. I've driven them many times as rentals, and they're particularly enjoyable if you're more used to a car: the dash mounted gearstick and light steering make them easy to drive. I would definitely consider a crew cab Vivaro as a huge and practical family / utility vehicle.

One size up from that, and there are many configurations available of the Ford Transit. However you'd need to check whether you can get a crew cab in the short wheel base - you may be limited to the longer chassis models.

itsakidsworld

Hi,

thanks for the info- yes I did mean the Vivaro! They look great and practical for a family and work so I have been swung towards them but reports are conflicting-good/bad so I wondered what the general opinion of them were?

somech

traffics and vivaros drive pretty well but the 6 speed gearbox is a known weak point.

ford do a crew cab in swb form but avoid the 75bhp model (gutless)

merc vito is a good choice in 110/112 guise but do suffer with injector seals leaking (easy to spot/if they are walk/run away)

best/most expensive choice is the vw transporter surfer dudes luv em and are easy to sell on and retain value

gilbert_and_sullivan

Have a look at the VW Caddy Maxi

jamesbrownontheroad

somech wrote: »

traffics and vivaros drive pretty well but the 6 speed gearbox is a known weak point

Good point... and following on from my experiences, avoid any second hand van that might have been a rental or fleet vehicle. Those will be the ones with the most badly treated gearboxes !

goldspanners

the transit gets good and bad reveiws but for me so far its been all good.
ive got the 110 280 and it drives great. also with LX pack so comfortable aswell.
thumbs up from me.
its also easily now averaging 38 mpg over a full tank giving me about 550 miles per tank of fuel. it could get more if i brought the top speed down a tad.

the vivaro,trafic,primastar is also a good van, the gearbox problem usually appears at around 100,000 miles but its easily repaired if you find someone whos done one before.

for me, vans to steer clear of would be the LDV maxus, i haven't heard a good word about these. and the merc vito, weve had a horendous time with all our vitos and the driving position in both old and new ones is terrible,for me they are truely hateful vans but for some reason others like them and they hold thier money.

itsakidsworld

Thank you so very much for all the useful information. It really is appreciated and helpful. I will take everything on board and keep looking.

With all vehicles I know there are many +/- with everything and that is why I am trying to get a clear picture before I buy again. How many times have we all bought a vehicle and later wished we had not!!!!

So hopefully with all the info I know what to look for and if a certain vehicles ticks the boxes I can then check my list against any faults and go from there. This time I plan to take my time and get the right vehicle which will see me on for a few years.

Whilst I am looking and to keep me mobile I might just buy a vespa for the summer!!!!!:j

itsakidsworld

Has anyone any experience with the Fiat Doblo range? They look an interesting car and look ideal for what I want? Some people say they look ugly but I like ugly!!!!

gilbert_and_sullivan

You could do worse than peruse Honestjohns car reviews.

itsakidsworld

gilbert & sullivan,

thank you for this website, it is brilliant and full of info. I looked at VW Caddy you suggested but the prices for a nearly new one are still high! Obviously a good car but maybe more than what I want to pay but thanks again.